Book Reports (44-46)...

For those of you who happened to Google your title and ended up here, please know that one star is not a bad thing in Robin's world -- just the fact that I picked up your book and started it means that somewhere it's getting good buzz (or that your blurb was really cool). 'R' means it's a re-read. Brackets mean it's an ARC (linked to Tattered Cover's book page) or e-galley.

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* I didn't make it beyond the first 20 pages.** I made it to the end, but I either skimmed or skipped large sections.*** I might have skipped/skimmed, but I liked it and might read it again.**** I read at least 95% of the book and it was good -- probably will be reread.***** I read every word, and I loved it! A favorite and definite reread.

Light, by Michael Grant ****+ This is an enjoyable end to the series. One thing I felt Grant did better in this book was to give a little summary of each character -- there are so many of them, each time I start a new book, I've forgotten the roles of all but the most obvious characters (Sam, Astrid, Caine, Diana). So that was nice, and the summaries were quite brief, so they didn't interfere with the story (imo). I also like how Sam got a bit of a break, so to speak. I mean, he still had work to do and responsibility, but the weight of the world (or the FAYZ) no longer sat wholly on his shoulders. I also thought Astrid was better in this book -- not as intense and annoying. ;) All in all, it was a solid finish, and I like the overall story arc too (ie, the entire six books) -- plus, the ending was pretty satisfying. The story: Even though the kids now know the real world has gone on and their parents are right outside, they have no way to get beyond the border. And now, people are watching them, and they can see that everyone has food and hot water, and they're starving and living in filth. Add to that, Gaia is gaining strength, and they know they have to kill 'her,' even though she looks like Diana's child (who's growing so fast she's not a child for long). All this...and kids are still dying. Sam and Caine join forces to go after Gaia while the others work on finding food for the survivors -- and Little Pete and Gaia begin their own war. All Sam and Astrid want is peace and to be together. Will it ever happen for them or anyone? (YA horror/paranormal, released 4/13, publisher: Katherine Tegan Books)

Nobody, by Jennifer Lynn Barnes ****+ This was an enjoyable (though angsty/sad) read. I liked both Nix and Claire, and it was hard to see them so unhappy. But the world-building was intriguing (though it took me a bit to figure it out and feel comfortable in their world), and I thought the concept of Nulls versus Normals versus Nobodies was pretty creative. I'm guessing there will be another book (there's certainly room for one), and if so, I'll definitely pick it up. The story: Claire wonders why no one ever seems to notice her, not even her own parents. Nix is sent to kill Claire, after being told she's a Null, a person who has no conscience and can bend the will of others to herself. But when Claire sees him and is able to avoid his attempts, he begins to realize something is wrong. Only Nobodies can see other Nobodies...but Nix has been taught he's the *only* Nobody. Eventually, the two come together and talk, and Claire learns of the truth of herself, and she and Nix join forces to try and take down the Society, the group which engineers the balance of Nulls, Nobodies, and Normals...and soon they discover that the Society is actually manipulating things for reasons they don't understand. Will two Nobodies be able to take the whole thing down -- and still have each other (when neither has ever had someone before)? (YA paranormal, released 1/13, publisher: Egmont USA)

Shadowlands, by Kate Brian *** This was interesting, and I liked the premise...but I'll admit that I got frustrated and skipped to the end to figure out what was going on. Now, I usually read the ending first, but because I knew this was a mystery/suspense, I wanted to see if I could figure it out first. But even knowing what was happening, it was still frustrating to read through the middle. So yes, it was intriguing but didn't really work for me, personally. I still like Brian's writing style, however. :) The story: Rory is targeted by a serial killer who has never given up or not succeeded before, and when she manages to escape him, the FBI sends Rory and her family away. The killer makes another attempt as they leave, but somehow they evade that, as well. Their new home is an island, and Rory finds herself caught up with the other teens there, but strange things keep occurring, and Rory can't shake the feeling that the serial killer has somehow followed them. When her sister disappears, however, Rory is certain...but can she possibly beat him again? Also, will she ever learn the mysteries of the island? (YA suspense/paranormal, released 1/13, publisher: Disney).